Influence of individual and organisational variables on the perception of organisational values

Abstract A favourable organisational culture founded on the values of employees and organisation leaders must be created to achieve goals, innovate and maintain a well-functioning organisation. Knowing these values and how they are influenced by various factors, such as age, the length of service, and the nature of work, must help to change employee beliefs, norms and behaviour patterns in a way that helps to achieve greater organisational success and efficiency. The study sample size consisted of 172 employees of educational institutions and 242 employees from municipal organisations. Occupational features and occupational behaviour were evaluated using a set of organisational values (Glomseth et al., 2011). The current research aimed (1) to evaluate organisational values and feature dimensions with respect to the inter-institutional level, (2) to evaluate organisational values and feature dimensions and distinguish the most prevalent with respect to the subordination level, (3) to evaluate organisational values and feature dimensions with respect to individual variables (gender, age and the length of occupational experience). The results revealed that task effectiveness, time management and cooperation, employee-orientated behaviour were stronger in educational organisations than municipal. Authoritarian management, formality and restrictions were stronger in municipal rather than educational organisations. Compared to beliefs held by subordinates, superiors claimed that positive organisational values, such as effectiveness, cooperation, and employee-orientated behaviour, were more typical in both types of institutions. Formal communication and restrictions were more typical for employees rather than managers. Subordinates but not superiors tended to perceive and evaluate organisational values, features and behaviour differently depending on gender.